The Hostelz.com Review
Gecko's Rest is the sort of hostel that backpackers everywhere would open if they could. Social areas are huge and varied, the rooms are great and have blessed air conditioning, the bathrooms are plentiful, and the area is packed full of bars. You can even park on the street right out front overnight, as long as you move your car by 9:30 a.m.
You'll find the hostel at 34 Sydney Street in Mackay. If you're arriving at night, it can be tough to spot -- keep a good eye on the side of the road. The hostel is located on a street with a long line of pubs and shops. Reception closes at about 9 p.m., so if you're later than that, you'll need to find another place to sleep. Walk down a long corridor to get to reception. Here, you'll be greeted by the pleasant owner and his little Chihuahua. Pay internet is right next to reception, with pay laundry right around the corner. You'll be given a key to the front door, and another to the door of your room. Towels are included.
Head upstairs to the rooms, and you'll find dorm-style and private accommodations. The beds are comfy, and linens are included. Dorms have a mix of bunks and single beds. Incidentally, sleeping bags are not allowed -- it may be to prevent bedbugs.
You'll find bathrooms/showers spread around upstairs. This is the only place where Gecko's doesn't do too well. Cleaning needs to be better in only those areas. The kitchen is huge and is well equipped with everything you'd want to make a meal. There are several stove tops and microwaves, so a bunch of people can cook at the same time. Next to the kitchen is a small lounge with a book exchange. Downstairs, you'll find a pool table, couches, and a TV. There is so much space to hang out and socialize, it is fantastic.
Once again, Gecko's Rest is a really good spot to meet people and have a good night's sleep. The value is great, as are the location and atmosphere.
You'll find the hostel at 34 Sydney Street in Mackay. If you're arriving at night, it can be tough to spot -- keep a good eye on the side of the road. The hostel is located on a street with a long line of pubs and shops. Reception closes at about 9 p.m., so if you're later than that, you'll need to find another place to sleep. Walk down a long corridor to get to reception. Here, you'll be greeted by the pleasant owner and his little Chihuahua. Pay internet is right next to reception, with pay laundry right around the corner. You'll be given a key to the front door, and another to the door of your room. Towels are included.
Head upstairs to the rooms, and you'll find dorm-style and private accommodations. The beds are comfy, and linens are included. Dorms have a mix of bunks and single beds. Incidentally, sleeping bags are not allowed -- it may be to prevent bedbugs.
You'll find bathrooms/showers spread around upstairs. This is the only place where Gecko's doesn't do too well. Cleaning needs to be better in only those areas. The kitchen is huge and is well equipped with everything you'd want to make a meal. There are several stove tops and microwaves, so a bunch of people can cook at the same time. Next to the kitchen is a small lounge with a book exchange. Downstairs, you'll find a pool table, couches, and a TV. There is so much space to hang out and socialize, it is fantastic.
Once again, Gecko's Rest is a really good spot to meet people and have a good night's sleep. The value is great, as are the location and atmosphere.
— Exclusive Hostelz.com Review
October 2007
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Gecko's Rest Reviews on Other WebsitesHostelz.com Guest Reviews
Class One of the nicest places I have stayed. Huge kitchen, nice common area, clean rooms. Right in the centre of the town too. — Mick , Irish (2009-01-27) Nice place but very quiet Gecko's Rest is a lovely place -- the owners are very friendly and helpful and have a friendly little dog, and the whole place has a fantastic paint job -- it's all painted up like a rainforest! We were well impressed with our surroundings -- didnt use the kitchen but it was huge and clean and very well equipped. There are tons of common areas as well as a great rooftop deck. Such a pity it was so quiet -- we met hardly anyone staying there and there was no one around in the daytime (or evening for that matter). Unfortunately, I had my first ever experience of bedbugs there -- I wouldnt hold this against the place as I know they can happen anywhere and are really tough to control and aren't always the hostel's fault, but they still are disgusting and unfortunately put a downer on my overall impression of it. Still, it can happen anywhere and there's nothing to say it'd happen there again so I'd still stay there again. Nice enough place overall. — Aileen , Ireland (2008-02-19) Booked a double room here, providing credit card, and contact details. Confirmed our booking by phone the week before we were arriving and organised late check-in. Arrived to be told that they couldn't find our booking and had no available beds left. Most other places were also booked out or closed for the night in Mackay. Could not give any explanation to how it happened. Not very helpful, wouldn't recommend staying here. — Kirsten (2006-04-10)